Carlisha Holmes is all smiles as she enters FedExForum at the start of the 2011 University of Memphis summer commencement on Sunday. Holmes earned her master's degree in nursing at the school's 99th commencement ceremony.

When Dan Givhan, 47, was helped across the stage in a wheelchair to shake University of Memphis President Shirley Raines' hand, there was only one way he could describe it.

"Beautiful," Givhan said. "No, perfect. That's the word I'd use."

Once out of the spotlight, though, he became stuck on the automated ramp. Fortunately, he wasn't stuck "too long" after receiving his bachelor's degree in information and technology at the University of Memphis' 99th commencement ceremony on Sunday.

Altogether, 684 degrees and 52 doctorates were awarded from 11 schools and colleges during the university's summer program.

"There's really nothing like a great commencement," said speaker and psychology professor Dr. Thomas Fagan. "Remember this," he joked. "It might be the last time you get into the FedExForum for free."

The ceremony maintained a lighthearted tone from the welcoming by Student Government Association president Tyler DeWitt to the many instances when graduates fist-pumped, cried and clapped their way from one end of the stage to the other.

Fagan offered warm congratulations at the end of his speech, saying, "We have our ups and downs, but we all survive."

Brandy Bell, 22, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in accounting, said her experience as an undergraduate was all ups with few downs.

"I had great teachers, I had great friends, I experienced Greek life. Everything was good at the University of Memphis," said Bell, who is working as an accountant at CB Richard Ellis and begins graduate school in two weeks.

She credits her memorable time at the Fogelman College of Business to Carolyn Callahan, director of the school of accountancy.

A moment in the procession was set aside by Raines to acknowledge professors, administrators, friends and family.

"The completion of a graduate degree is seldom done alone," Raines said.

Master of Science graduate Siminder Kaur, 29, was likewise surrounded by loved ones in the lobby of FedExForum following the ceremony. She recalled being "very happy" throughout her college experience and plans to begin work now that it's over.

"I was pretty lucky. I had a lot of good support from my family and husband," said Kaur, holding a bouquet of flowers.